XOXOX sculpture delivered to Hilton in time for Valentine’s Day

Feb. 12--STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Richard and Lois Nicotra say they are all about love.

After erecting a Love sculpture in 2016 in front of their new medical building on South Avenue in Bloomfield, they wanted to continue the theme with a vivid red, 905-pound XOXOX counterpart.

"We built 'Love' on the corner of South Avenue and Lois Lane for the community, and everyone is coming -- families -- and it's a great opportunity to take photos and we love that. But this is something special to the brides and grooms who get married at Above or at Nicotra's Ballroom here at our Hilton Garden Inn," said Richard Nicotra, principal of The Nicotra Group.

The new sculpture, which is 22 feet long and six feet high, found its permanent home on Monday near the Grand Italian Gazebo on the Great Lawn near the Nicotra's Ballroom entrance.

"With Valentine's Day around the corner, love is on everyone's minds, but we're focused on 'Love' all year round," said Lois Nicotra, referring to the Love sculpture.

"Bringing the XOXOX as a gift to our couples gives them the opportunity for a picture perfect moment where only hugs and kisses surround them."

INSPIRATION FOR THE SCULPTURE

Created by artist Rob Lorenson of Somerset, Mass., the XOXOX sculpture was made from aluminum and urethane paint, according to The Nicotra Group.

"The inspiration was in part a conversation with Richard and Lois about the elements of my work," said Lorenson, who has taught sculpture at Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, Mass.

"What resulted was an iconic adaption of my work in a format that is fresh and new," he added.

RENNOVATIONS

The Nicotra Group is in the process of giving the Hilton Garden Inn in Bloomfield a $4 million facelift.

New carpeting, artwork, furniture, wallpaper, painting, electrical wiring, upgraded WiFi, plants and more are part of the renovations for the Tea Room, the 11,000-square-foot Nictora's Ballroom, Trevi Garden, lobby and Lorenzo's Restaurant.

The Nicotras are also working on a separate project to add 100 guest rooms to the Hampton Inn & Suites.

In addition to the Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton Inn & Suites, The Nicotra Group LLC owns 11 buildings, including Corporate Commons One and Two -- and soon to be built is Corporate Commons Three -- at the Teleport. The Corporate Park is home to more than 200 tenants, with more than 10,000 people visiting the site each day to work, attend classes, see a physician or dine.